Missouri Scholarships for College

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✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

When it comes to affording college, Missouri students have plenty of options to reduce their financial burden. Whether you are a Missouri resident or planning to attend one of the state's schools—like the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Missouri State University (MSU), or Washington University in St. Louis—there are plenty of opportunities available to help make your higher education journey more affordable.

Inspired by the Show-Me State's practical approach, we have gathered the best scholarship and grant opportunities available for Missouri students. You will find state-funded grants and scholarships, institutional grants and scholarships, federal grants, and private scholarships designed to cover tuition, fees, and certain other educational expenses.

List of Missouri Scholarships for College

Check out our list of 1,950 Missouri Scholarships for College worth $9M.

Columbia College of Missouri Keystone Scholarship (Returning Students)

$31,404 Award Amount

10 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. students who are currently enrolled at Columbia College of Missouri and have completed their most recent 27 credit hours at Columbia College. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher.

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William R. Kimel, P.E. Engineering Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for college juniors who are permanent residents of Kansas or Missouri and pursuing an engineering degree at an accredited Kansas or Missouri college/university.

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Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship

$1,666 Award Amount

3 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

The Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship is being offered to Kansas and or Missouri area high school seniors and college students who have demonstrated an entrepreneurial initiative. Applicants must also meet the academic requirements, including a 3.3 or higher grade point average.

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Columbia College of Missouri CCAA Scholars Program

$1,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Mar 8 Deadline

This scholarship is open to Columbia College of Missouri undergraduate students who have completed 24 or more credit hours at Columbia. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.

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Kansas Optometry Service Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

32 Awards

May 1 Deadline

Kansas residents who plan to establish an optometry practice in Kansas are eligible for this award. Students must enroll full time at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee, or Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

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Fulfilling Our Dreams Scholarship Program

$3,000 Award Amount

54 Awards

May 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available to Central American/Latino students who are residents of and studying in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles area, or San Fernando Valley. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need, have a history of community involvement, and be willing to serve as a mentor if selected for a scholarship.

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MO Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

$4,850 Award Amount

179 Awards

Aug 1 Deadline

This award is available to Missouri students who are employed while enrolled part-time at a college or university in Missouri. The student must be at least 18 years old, and be employed for at least 20 per week, and demonstrate financial need.

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Horatio Alger Missouri Scholarship Program

$10,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who are residents of Missouri and demonstrate critical financial need.

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Dan L. Meisinger, Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Nov 27 Deadline

This award is for college sophomores, juniors and/or seniors who are currently enrolled in an aviation program and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to residents of Kansas, Missouri or Illinois.

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Bucknell University Campus Enrichment Scholarship

$100,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 15 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students enrolling at Bucknell University. First generation college students, students from outside the university's traditional geographic area, and those who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to the campus will be considered.

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Pete Wilson Journalism Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 17 Deadline

This scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are from or studying in the San Francisco (CA) Bay Area. Students must be pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism.

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James M. and Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund

$8,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 22 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in the arts/sciences, human services, music, or ministry. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to applicants from Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee.

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Nancy Penn Lyons Scholarship Fund

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 22 Deadline

This scholarship is available to Georgia high school seniors with demonstrated financial need who have been accepted for enrollment at selective private or out-of-state institutions (students attending public Georgia institutions ineligible). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and an SAT score of 1000 or higher or an ACT score of 22 or higher.

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NFMC/Irma Carey Wilson Music Therapy Award

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for currently enrolled U.S. college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. Students must be pursuing a degree in music therapy or interning for music therapy, and must attend a school accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.

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Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

$20,238 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.

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Columbia College of Missouri Associate Degree Transfer Grant

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. undergraduate students who have earned an associate's degree and are planning to transfer to Columbia College of Missouri. The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

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OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Youth Leadership Award

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 8 Deadline

The OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Youth Leadership Award is available for Asian American and Pacific Islander high school seniors who reside in Missouri and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Marvin Brooks Educational Fund

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 15 Deadline

The Marvin Brooks Educational Fund is available for graduating high school seniors in Jackson County, Missouri who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and unmet financial need.

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Columbia College of Missouri Phi Theta Kappa Honor Scholarship

$21,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 31 Deadline

This award is for U.S. students who have an associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, or at least 60 transferable hours and are planning to transfer to Columbia College of Missouri. Students must be a member of Phi Theta Kappa and have a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

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Rebecca Kirtman Memorial Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

U.S. high school seniors who have been involved with Becca's Closet are eligible to apply for this award. Students must enroll full time and have an unweighted grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

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Women's Another Chance Scholarship

$8,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

The Women's Another Chance Scholarship is available for mothers who reside in and attend school in the St. Louis area. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and critical unmet financial need. Click here to learn more about eligibility and how you can apply today!

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General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

The General Hospital #2 Perpetual Trust Fund is available for African American students from the greater Kansas City area who are majoring in nursing. Click here to learn more and apply today!

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The Ruth Greenberg Memorial Fund for Rabbinical Training

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 8 Deadline

The Ruth Greenberg Memorial Fund for Rabbinical Training is available for Jewish students in St. Louis who are pursuing a career in rabinnical studies.

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The Sam A. Kessler Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 8 Deadline

The Sam A. Kessler Memorial Scholarship is available for students who have lived in St. Louis for at least ten years and are active in the local Jewish community. Click here to learn more and apply today!

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The Richard L. Levis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 8 Deadline

The Richard L. Levis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund is available for Jewish students in the St. Louis area who demonstrate a combination of academic achievement and unmet financial need.

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Cost of College in Missouri

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Before diving into the scholarship list, it is important to understand the cost of attending college in Missouri. For in-state students at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year will cost between $14,830 and $18,610 per year. Out-of-state students can expect to pay up to $ 39,820 in tuition and fees. At Missouri State University (MSU), in-state tuition and fees are $ 9,502 annually, while non-residents can expect to pay $17,928.

Private institutions like Washington University in St. Louis have much higher price tags, with annual tuition and fees exceeding $65,000.

These numbers may seem daunting, but scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are widely available to Missouri students to make college more affordable.

Missouri State-Funded Scholarships and Grants

Missouri residents have access to several state-funded scholarships and grants. Most of these programs require students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility based on financial need or academic merit.

A+ Scholarship Program

The A+ Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship that provides financial assistance to Missouri high school graduates who attend a participating 2 year community college or vocational/technical school. Students can receive funding that covers tuition and general fees, as long as they meet program requirements such as maintaining a 2.5 GPA and performing 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring. Funds awarded under this program are awarded after other financial aid is considered.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is a need-based grant program for Missouri residents attending a public or private college or university within the state. Award amounts range from $1,500 to $2,850 per year, depending on a student’s financial need and the type of institution you attend.

Bright Flight Program

The Bright Flight Program is a merit-based scholarship program that awards up to $3,000 per year to Missouri high school students who score in the top 3% on the ACT or SAT. This scholarship is renewable for up to 10 semesters, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. To be considered for the maximum award available, students will need to score at least 32 on the ACT.

Advanced Placement (AP) Incentive Grant

This $500 grant is available to Missouri high school students who have successfully completed at least two Advanced Placement courses and their corresponding exams. Generally, awards are based on students taking AP exams in mathematics The AP Incentive Grant is awarded based on students’ AP scores and is intended to reward academic achievement while preparing students for college-level coursework.

Federal Grants

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In addition to state-funded scholarships and grants, Missouri students can apply for federal financial aid programs. The Pell Grant is a major source of funding for low-income students, offering up to $7,395 for the 2024-25 academic year. Missouri students may also qualify for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which offers between $100 and $4,000 per year for eligible students with exceptional financial need. You will need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for any of these federal grant programs.

Institutional Scholarships at Missouri Colleges and Universities

Many Missouri colleges and universities offer their own institutional grants scholarships to make school more affordable and encourage students to enroll at their institutions. These awards are typically based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Below are some examples of scholarships offered by prominent Missouri institutions.

University of Missouri (Mizzou) Curators’ Scholars Program

Mizzou’s Curators’ Scholars Program awards scholarships to high-achieving Missouri residents who demonstrate strong academic performance. Awards range from $4,000 to full tuition coverage, and recipients are selected based on GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and leadership potential. Generally, students must be in the top 5% of their graduating high school class and score at least 28 on the ACT to qualify for this program.

Missouri State University (MSU) Presidential Scholarship

The MSU Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious merit-based award offered at Missouri State University. The scholarship award can be up to $15,000 and can cover full tuition, fees, and a housing stipend for up to four years. To qualify for consideration, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.9 and an ACT score of at least 31 or an SAT score of at least 1420.

Washington University in St. Louis Danforth Scholars Program

The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The scholarship covers full or partial tuition for undergraduate students and is renewable for up to four years of study. Recipients may also be eligible to receive a housing stipend.

Private Scholarships for Missouri Students

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Private scholarships offer another way for Missouri students to fund their education. These awards are typically sponsored by local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and foundations. Below are some notable private scholarships for Missouri students.

Missouri Corn Scholarship

The Missouri Corn Growers Association offers scholarships to high school seniors and current college students pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field. Students must be from a rural or area of Missouri. The award amount is $1,000, and students must demonstrate a commitment to Missouri’s agricultural industry.

Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA) Scholarship

The MOCPA offers scholarships to high school seniors, college juniors, and graduate students pursuing degrees in accounting. Awards range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the student’s academic level. Applicants must be Missouri residents and plan to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Scholarships for Adult Learners in Missouri

Missouri offers several scholarships and grants specifically designed for adult learners or non-traditional students who are returning to school after a gap in their education.

Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a relatively new need-based grant program aimed at adult learners in Missouri who are pursuing a degree or credential in a high-demand field. This grant covers tuition and fees for qualifying students attending an eligible Missouri public or private institution. The program targets adult learners over the age of 25 or individuals who have been out of school for at least two years.

Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act

The Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act limits tuition costs to $50 per credit hour for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are attending a Missouri public college or university. This benefit is available for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Applying for Grants and Scholarships in Missouri: Tips for Success

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Securing grants and scholarships in Missouri requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your scholarship search:

Complete the FAFSA early: Many Missouri scholarships are need-based and require you to complete and submit the FAFSA to determine your eligibility.

Stay organized: Track deadlines, application requirements, and all necessary documents for each scholarship.

Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership roles, and goals for the future in your application essays.

Get strong letters of recommendation: Request recommendations from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who can speak to your qualifications. Request these early as many of your friends may also be requesting letters too!

Search locally: Explore local organizations, houses of worship, community foundations, and businesses in Missouri that offer scholarships.

With the right preparation, you can secure the funding you need to make college in Missouri an affordable reality. Whether you are aiming to attend Mizzou, MSU, or any of Missouri’s other great institutions, scholarships can help pave the way to success.